Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik mentioned Friday she is suspending her marketing campaign for governor of New York and won’t search reelection to Congress.
In an announcement, Stefanik — who had simply entered the race about seven weeks in the past — mentioned in a social media put up that “whereas we might have overwhelmingly received this major, it isn’t an efficient use of our time or your beneficiant assets to spend the primary half of subsequent 12 months in an pointless and protracted Republican major, particularly in a difficult state like New York.”
Stefanik additionally indicated that the choice was made together with her household in thoughts.
“Whereas many know me as Congresswoman, my most vital title is Mother,” she added. “I consider that being a dad or mum is life’s best reward and best duty. I’ve thought deeply about this and I do know that as a mom, I’ll really feel profound remorse if I do not additional deal with my younger son’s security, progress, and happiness – notably at his tender age.”
Stefanik has been a frequent critic of Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who will likely be working for reelection.
Ryan Radulovacki, a spokesperson for Hochul, informed CBS Information New York in an announcement that Stefanik had “lastly acknowledged actuality: For those who run towards Governor Kathy Hochul, you will lose.”
Hochul had beforehand referred to as Stefanik President Trump’s “primary cheerleader in Congress and his right-hand girl in his conflict on New York.”
State GOP chair pivots to Bruce Blakeman
The bombshell announcement comes lower than two weeks after fellow Republican and Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman mentioned he supposed to problem Stefanik within the upcoming gubernatorial major.
On the time, a spokesperson for Stefanik blasted Blakeman for coming into the race.
“Bruce Blakeman is an early Christmas current to Kathy Hochul as he works to blow Republicans’ finest likelihood to win,” the spokesperson mentioned.
Now, the state Republican occasion chair is pivoting to help Blakeman’s bid.
“Elise Stefanik will stay a pacesetter in our occasion and a strong voice for our rules. We respect her choice and thank her for her efforts,” New York GOP chair Ed Cox mentioned in an announcement. “Bruce Blakeman has my endorsement and I urge our State Committee and occasion leaders to hitch me.”
In an announcement Friday, Blakeman thanked Stefanik for her “excellent service” to the individuals of New York and to all Individuals.
“All through her time in public workplace, Congresswoman Stefanik has been a powerful voice for common sense values, nationwide safety, and financial alternative, and her management has earned the respect of individuals throughout our state and our nation,” the assertion mentioned, partially. “I want Congresswoman Stefanik nothing however success as she pursues her priorities and continues her service to our nation.”
Stefanik had initially launched her marketing campaign for governor in early November with a military of help, together with 34 Assemblymember endorsements, 12 state senators, and former Gov. George Pataki.
Stefanik receives message of help from Trump
Mr. Trump expressed his help for Stefanik after her announcement, writing on Reality Social that she is “a incredible individual.”
“Elise is an amazing expertise, no matter what she does,” Mr. Trump wrote. “She could have GREAT success, and I’m together with her all the way in which!”
In 2014, Stefanik turned the youngest girl elected to Congress on the age of 30. She represents New York’s twenty first Congressional District upstate and has been reelected 5 instances.
In November 2024, Mr. Trump nominated Stefanik to function U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, however withdrew her nomination two months later, saying he needed her to stay in Congress.
“Elise Stefanik has been an unbelievable advocate for the individuals of her district in Upstate New York, and she’s going to all the time be a real buddy to President Trump,” White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt additionally wrote on social media. “On a private notice, Elise is my former boss. She is a good chief, and a good higher individual. We love you.”
Outgoing Rep. Majorie Taylor-Greene additionally issued a message of help.
“You’re making probably the most fantastic choice. Mother is the very best job title there may be! Technique to go Elise!”, Taylor-Greene posted.
